RAM 3500 Truck 2WD V10-8.0L VIN W (1997)
Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation
Sensor Operation
LOCATION
Fig. 6 Crankshaft Position Sensor
The crankshaft position sensor is located on the right-lower side of the cylinder block, forward of the right engine mount, just above the oil pan
rail.
DESCRIPTION
Fig. 7 Sensor Operation
The crankshaft position sensor detects notches machined into the middle of the crankshaft.
There are five sets of notches. Each set contains two notches.
OPERATION
Basic ignition timing is determined by the position of the last notch in each set of notches. Once the powertrain control module (PCM) senses the
last notch, it will determine crankshaft position (which piston will next be at Top Dead Center). An input from the camshaft position sensor is also
needed. It may take the module up to one complete engine revolution to determine crankshaft position during engine cranking.
The PCM uses the signal from the camshaft position sensor to determine fuel injector sequence. Once crankshaft position has been determined, the
PCM begins energizing a ground circuit to each fuel injector to provide injector operation.
